<SQL Server>Db-Library network communications layer not loaded

We want to use Lotus 123 for DOS, a legacy spreadsheet software, to connect to SQL Server 2005 database. It should be possible, based on the documentation. When I try to connect, I get a Backend DataBase Error. I press F1 and it gives me a message: <SQL Server>Db-Library network communications layer not loaded.

I am not sure what is causing the error.

Lotus provides a DataLens driver which uses the Db-Library supported by older versions of SQL Server instead of ODBC or OLE DB. SQL Server 2005 still supports connections using Db-Library according to their website. I have the Db-Library file (ntwdblib.dll) int the C:\Windows\System32 folder on both computers.

All the files mentioned in the configuration file are in the C:\Lotus40 folder. PHARES3400 is the name of the computer on which SQL Server is installed; this computer is running WinXP Pro SP2. The Lotus computer is also running WinXP Pro SP2. I don't think we have any connection issues because I can open a connection easily in Excel on the Lotus computer. I have TCP/IP enabled on the database. I have been able to connect to an old FoxPro database, so I know Lotus can do databases.

btw. It is not feasible to upgrade our spreadsheet software. Won't happen!

I am curious to know if there are any experts that still remember how to make Lotus do it's tricks. I need to know what is causing the error and how to fix it.

It could be a problem with the ntwdblib.dll.. I'd suggest that you do a dependency check on this library using the dependency walker application which may indicate any missing dependencies for this library..

Which computer needs the ntwdblib.dll file? (I installed it on both computers)
I ran DependencyWalker on ntwdblib.dll and got this msg:
Warning: At least one delay-load dependency module was not found.
It said that DWMAPI.DLL was missing.
I found a copy of this file and copied it into the C:\windows\system32 folder. Do I need any kind of install? RegSvr32 needed? (RegSvr32 gave an error) Reboot? (I did reboot)

I ran DependencyWalker again on ntwdblib.dll; now I get only:
Warning: At least one module has an unresolved import due to a missing export function in a delay-load dependent module.

Thanks a bunch for your help. Does this tell you anything. Do you have more advice?

DWMAPI.DLL is a Windows Vista (or Windows 2008) specific library which will show up as missing in Dependency Walker if IE7 is installed in the machine.. The missing export function reported by Dependency Walker can never be invoked in previous Windows versions..

I'd expect the ntwdblib.dll file will be required in the client machine to establish connections to SQL Server 2005, though the database has to be set to SQL Server 2000 or older compatibility mode (sp_dbcmptlevel '<DBName>', 80)
to make the queries work correctly..

I can't seem to find any online reference to troubleshoot indicated issue.. The closest one was the link below -